title: A new orthosis for subluxed, flaccid shoulder after stroke facilitates gait symmetry: a preliminary study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate the immediate effects on subluxation and gait pattern of a new shoulder orthosis, developed for treatment of painful shoulder syndrome in subacute stroke patients; and (ii) to evaluate patients' and therapists' opinions about its fit and benefits after 4 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 40 subacute in-rehabilitation stroke patients with non-functional arm and painful shoulder were included in the study. Of these, 12 subjects underwent shoulder radiography and gait analysis with and without the orthosis to determine the immediate effects of the orthosis. All 40 patients wore the orthosis during the daytime for 4 weeks before completing a survey. Outcome measures were: repositioning of the humeral head, gait cycle parameters, and qualitative lower limb muscle activation patterns. Patients and therapists rated wearing comfort, odour nuisance, effect on pain and performing gait and mobility-related activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  When using the shoulder orthosis the humeral head was repositioned in 10 of 12 patients, patients walked more symmetrically due to a prolonged hemiparetic stance phase (p < 0.01), and the paretic quadriceps muscle activity was higher and more appropriately timed. The majority of patients and therapists rated the wearing comfort positive, the odour nuisance minimal, and that the orthosis helped with performing activities. However, less than half of patients and therapists reported improvement in pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The well-tolerated shoulder orthosis improved gait quality and repositioned the subluxated humeral head, offered a good fit, and eased performing activities, but did not reduce pain. This preliminary study does not warrant any definite conclusions on the effectiveness of the orthosis; more studies are needed to compare its effect with other models.
authors.affiliation: Medical Park Berlin Humboldtmühle, Neurological Rehabilitation, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany. s.hesse@medicalpark.de
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hesse
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herrmann
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bardeleben
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Holzgraefe
authors.forename: Cordula
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.forename: Insa
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wingendorf
authors.forename: Stephen G B
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Kirker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000628:therapy*; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000628:therapy; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation